In our original reference book RB.10, devoted to the issues of the Churchman company, it is revealed that they also issued two versions, described as :
- 107. Feb.1912. 50. PHIL MAY SKETCHES. (untitled series). Size 2 11/16" x 1 7./16" or 67 x 36 m/m. Numbered 1-50. Fronts lithographed in colour with words "Churchman`s Gold Flake Cigarettes" at top in blue. Backs in blue, no descriptions. Printed by Mardon, Son & Hall. Also issued by Fry and Smith
- 108. 50. PHIL MAY SKETCHES. Identical to (107) but words "Churchman Cigarettes" at top of fronts.
This is why I have a question mark on the date of our title, for I am not sure whether the omission of the date in the reference book against the second set means it was issued at exactly the same time, just in a different brand, or that the date of issue was simply not recorded.
As far as the two other versions mentioned in the text, the F. & J. Smith one was actually issued almost four years before ours, in May 1908 (you can see that in the newsletter for the 29th of September 2023, just scroll down to Thursday, 5th October). And the one by Fry`s Chocolates, which is a trade set, was not only issued earlier still, but first of all, in 1905.
By the time of our original World Tobacco Issues Index, the Churchman sets were recorded as ;
- PHIL MAY SKETCHES (A). Sm. Nd. (50). See H.72 ... C82-25
A. Front inscribed "Churchman`s Gold Flake Cigarettes"
B. Front inscribed "Churchman`s Cigarettes"
This is only very slightly different in our updated World Tobacco Issues Index, and now reads :
- PHIL MAY SKETCHES (A). Sm. Nd. (50). See H.72. Front inscribed ... C504-330
A. "Churchman`s Gold Flake Cigarettes"
B. "Churchman`s Cigarettes"